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Gopher Models N Gauge NSW Class 38 Steam Locomotive - 3801 Edition

Discover the unparalleled craftsmanship and intricate detail of the Gopher Models N Gauge NSW Class 38 Steam Locomotive, created in exclusive collaboration with Hobbies Australia. This meticulously engineered model train embodies the heritage and technological advancements of the iconic NSW Class 38, making it a must-have for any model railway enthusiast.


3801: The Heart of Australian Railway History

The Class 38 NSWGR 3801 is renowned for its historic journey as the first steam locomotive to traverse the Australian continent, achieving this feat from 22 August 1970 to 12 September 1970. Following decades of service, the locomotive underwent an extensive 12-year overhaul at Chullora, beginning in 2008, which included a comprehensive boiler rebuild. This meticulous restoration was completed in 2020. The 3801 triumphantly returned to service on 13 March 2021, continuing its legacy in Australian rail history.


38 Class: Engineering Marvel

The C38 Class locomotive, built by Clyde Engineering, boasts impressive specifications that define its power and capability on the rails. With a wheel configuration of "Pacific" 4-6-2 and a driving wheel diameter of 5ft 9in, it exhibits remarkable traction and stability. Its substantial size, with a length of 76ft 5in and a total weight of 201 tons, ensures its presence is felt on the tracks. Equipped with a generous fuel capacity of 14 tons and a water capacity of 8,100 gallons, the C38 Class locomotive is ready for long-haul journeys. Its firebox area of 47 sq ft and boiler pressure of 245 psi enable efficient steam generation, while the cylinders, measuring 21.5in x 26in, deliver a formidable tractive effort of 36,273 lbf. The engineering marvel that is the C38 Class locomotive, embodies the legacy of Clyde Engineering and the rich history of railroading.


Gopher Models N Scale C38 Loco features
1/160 N Scale
DC Coreless Motor
DCC Sound Ready NEXT18
Working Headlamp
Swivel Bogies on Tender
Accurately reproduced motion mechanism
Magne-MaticTM #1015 Couplers
Min track radius 10.5in

On-line orders are important to us and in-stock products should be shipped within two business days of receiving the order. If there is reason we cannot ship in this time we will contact you for any change in instruction.

Orders are shipped by either Australia Post, TNT, Toll or Fastway Couriers, please understand these services operate Monday to Friday as a general rule. We have electronic tracking via the carriers but cannot divert goods from the original address given.

Dangerous Goods

Some items such as rocket engines and RC fuel require additional charges due to “Dangerous Goods” category. Due to these items being sent by a courier, someone must be home to receive the item, or a slip may be left instead. These items cannot be shipped to PO boxes. Please note, rocket engines of size 'E' or higher cannot be shipped. They can only be picked up in store.

Oversize Items

Any items that are larger than 1 metre in any dimension are considered an oversize item and are not accepted by Australia post and as such, require additional charges to be sent by courier. Due to these items being sent by a courier, someone must be home to receive the item or a slip may be left instead. These items cannot be shipped to PO boxes.

Frontline Hobbies is committed to providing customers with the best products and service. We are aware that sometimes returns are required and have detailed in this policy how to return a product to Frontline Hobbies.

Please note that all products are sold with manufacturer’s warranty unless otherwise noted.

30 Day Return Guarantee

Not what you expected? Changed your mind?

We offer a 30-day return policy for any unopened, undamaged product in original condition.

Contact us within 30 days of delivery and we will gladly accept your return. Then package and ship it back to us. Once received, we will arrange a credit or refund.

You must make sure that the returned product is suitably packaged to prevent damage during return shipping. We will not accept responsibility for goods, which are damaged whilst in transit back to us.

A copy of the original invoice or reference number must be included with the returned product. If proof of purchase is not provided, we may not be able to offer a replacement product, credit, or refund.

Please note, for change of mind returns, it is the customers responsibility to pay for return postage.

Frontline Hobbies was established in 1978 and has grown over the years to be the largest Australian hobby store.

The original store sold only model soldiers trading from approximately 10sm but soon expanded to include model kits and model rail.

The early trading name of the store was Mainly Military, reflecting the model soldier bias, but changed in the late eighties to trade as Frontline Hobbies.

Later, radio control was added to the range, then Die-Cast collectables, games, puzzles and finally under twelves educational toys.

Located at 5 Lang Road, Broadmeadow, NSW, 2292, Australia. If you are planning a visit, please allow several hours to take it all in. If you cannot physically visit, please take a virtual tour.

Frontline Hobbies is Australian owned and operated by the Scott family since inception. We have decades of experience and knowledge on all thing’s hobby.


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